Alteration and extension of existing primary school to provide new teaching accommodation

Project

The works comprised the construction of a large single-storey extension to the rear elevation of Wolvercote Primary School in Oxford.

The new building was formed on piled foundations, with reinforced concrete pile caps and ground beams. The ground floor slab was cast in-situ and there is a steel frame which supports the timber roof, formed using trusses and joists.

The works also included alterations within the existing school buildings, involving demolition, remodelling and refurbishment work. The location and nature of these works meant that they could only be carried out during the school holidays.

There was extensive external works around the new building, together with the construction of a new MUGA (multi use games area) on the existing playing field.

Challenges and solutions

Carrying out major construction works in the middle of a busy primary school, meant that close cooperation with the school was essential. We established an excellent relationship with the school management, with daily communication, allowing both parties to work efficiently together

Changes to employer’s requirements meant that we needed to maintain a flexible approach, especially when working in and around occupied areas with associated child protection and safeguarding measures. We agreed to accelerate sections of the project to accommodate changes to the scope of the project

We proposed design changes to the external wall, incorporating spandrel panels into the facing brickwork, to reduce construction time

A phased approach was adopted, allowing parts of the building to be handed over to the school at an early stage